Lithuania has deployed a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) near Vilnius, replacing the RBS 70 short-range air-defense system previously assigned to protect the capital, according to local news.
Chief of Defence Gen. Raimundas Vaikšnoras said NASAMS provides greater range, speed, and accuracy.
The move follows several drone incursions into NATO airspace in the region.
Lithuania recorded its latest incident in May, while a NATO fighter operating from Šiauliai Air Base recently intercepted a drone over neighboring Latvia.
Lithuania currently operates two NASAMS batteries and expects to receive a third in 2028.
Lithuania Steps Up Security
The deployment near Vilnius is part of the country’s broader effort to strengthen its defenses against potential Russian action.
Lithuania is particularly exposed on NATO’s eastern flank, sharing borders with both Russia and Moscow’s ally Belarus.
In July, Vilnius deployed up to 30 troops to help guard critical energy infrastructure after President Gitanas Nausėda warned that Russia could target the country’s transport and energy networks through sabotage.
Increasing defense spending is supporting Lithuania’s broader military modernization.
The country allocated 4.7 billion euros ($5.4 billion) to defense this year, equivalent to more than 5 percent of its GDP and 41 percent above the 2025 level.
Part of that funding will support additional NASAMS batteries, Piorun missiles, mobile short-range air-defense systems, medium-range radars, and equipment for detecting and countering drones.
Lithuania is also reassessing the legal limits of its participation in NATO deterrence.
Earlier this year, the government proposed lifting the constitutional ban on stationing nuclear weapons in the country, arguing that Lithuania should be fully integrated into the alliance’s nuclear deterrence posture.